Most wickets in a First-Class match by a bowler
The red-ball cricket has always been a classic gentleman’s game since it was introduced by England in the 19th century. Many consider this format as better than white-ball cricket and the records in this format are big achievements for the players.
It’s a big achievement to feature in an official First-Class cricket match due to a competition for the places. Players have to perform consistently and at the highest level in First-Class cricket to earn the National team call-up. Throughout history, many cricketers have created and broken some unachievable records.
Taking 10 wickets in an innings is a difficult task but many have achieved this feat but no one has ever taken 10 wickets in both innings. Here is this list of cricketers who have taken the most wickets in a First-Class match.
1. Jim Laker (England, 19 wickets, 1956)
The former English spinner created many records during the fourth match of the 1956’s Ashes at Manchester. He took nine for 37 in the first innings and grabbed ten for 53 in their second innings to create an unbelievable record. He became the first bowler to take 19 wickets in the First-Class match and remains the only player to do so. Before Laker’s spell, William Lillywhite (1837) and Henry Arkwright (1861) had reached the 18-wicket mark.
2. Henry Arkwright (England, 18 wickets, 1861)
Arkwright played only 17 First-Class matches but will be remembered forever for taking 18 wickets in a match. He took 97 wickets at an impressive average of 11.34, including 10 five-wicket in an innings. In 1861, while playing for Gentlemen of MCC, he took nine wickets in both innings to become the only second cricketer to take 18 wickets in a match.
3. William Lillywhite (England, 18 wickets, 1837)
William Lillywhite is credited for transforming First-Class cricket in the early 19th century. He spent most of his playing years at Sussex but also featured for Marylebone Cricket Club. He had 1576 wickets in just 237 First-Class matches but many of his achievements were not recorded at that time. He became the first player to take 18 wickets in a First-Class match during Eleven Players versus Sixteen Gentlemen game at Lord’s in 1837. He took eight in the first innings and got 10 wickets in the second innings.
